The sponsors of this year’s Go Kids Go! scheme have praised the project for encouraging Weston’s children to be more active – and say they are delighted to be part of the 2016 campaign.

Go Kids Go! was set up in 2012 by the Weston Lions Club, in partnership with the Mercury, and hands out cash grants to clubs and community groups from across the area which encourage children to be more active.

Some £12,000 is up for grabs this year, thanks to the generosity of sponsors The Grand Pier, the Howards Group, the Mead Group, Nightingales, Crosville Motor Services, Weston College, McDonald’s and Hobbs & Webb, alongside donations from the Lions and the Mercury.

Grand Pier co-owner Michelle Michael said: “From my perspective, I think a lot of these small organisations are very cash-strapped and if Go Kids Go! was not around, they would never be able to do these things we give them the chance to do.

“It is a nice way for local businesses to support the youth in our community and get them active.

“There is no other fund they can go to to get it and I like the fact it is going to local children and stays in the community.”

McDonald’s franchisee Tim Lamb said: “It was a really easy decision to continue to support what is a fantastic local initiative in Go Kids Go!. It benefits a wide variety of clubs and groups, which support, develop and entertain many of Weston’s children.”

Nightingales owner Richard Nightingale said: “It has been a great way to directly help young people enjoy a huge range of activities, and to support Weston clubs and community groups who dedicate so much to making this happen.”

If you run a community group which you think deserves a helping hand, are based within the postcode areas BS22, BS23, BS24, BS25 or BS29, and are a registered club, charity or not-for-profit organisation, you can apply for a grant.

The winners will be announced in the Mercury on July 28 and grants will be presented on the final day of the Lions’ ale festival, which will take place on the Beach Lawns, Weston, from July 30-31.

To apply for a grant as part of Go Kids Go! download an application form by clicking this link or pick one up from the Mercury office. When you have completed the form, send it to Go Kids Go!, The Weston, Worle & Somerset Mercury, 32 Waterloo Street, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1LW, email it to newsdesk@westonmercury.co.uk or hand it in at our office.